Nokea
A slightly obese female client with a history of allergy-induced asthma, hypertension, and mitral valve prolapse is admitted to an acute care facility for elective surgery. The nurse obtains a complete history and performs a thorough physical examination, paying special attention to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. When percussing the client's chest wall, the nurse expects to elicit:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Resonant sounds. Percussing the chest of a healthy individual typically elicits resonant sounds due to the presence of air-filled lung tissue. In this case, the client has a history of asthma, which indicates airway inflammation and possible mucus accumulation, making resonant sounds more likely. Hyperresonant sounds (B) are typically heard in conditions like emphysema with increased lung volume. Dull sounds (C) are indicative of fluid or solid tissue present in the lungs, which is not expected in this client. Flat sounds (D) are heard over areas of solid tissue or muscle, not in the chest of a client with respiratory conditions.